The Gold Coast features 40km of sandy immaculate beaches and is located 70kms south of Queenslands capital city, Brisbane, and 947kms North the capital of New south Wales, Sydney. It has an estimated population of 480,000 and is Australia's seventh largest city.

It is also Australia's favourite tourist destination with a favourable climate, diversity of attractions, sophisticated nightlife and dining, safe environment and world class resorts. Inland from the Gold Coast is three magnificent National Parks - Springbrook, Lamington and Tamborine which feature beautiful rainforests, picnic areas, nature walks and spectacular lookouts.

Climate: The Gold Coast has a comfortable sub-tropical climate averaging in the 20's. Summer - December to February - 20-28 degrees C. Autumn - March to May - 15-25 degrees C. Winter - June to August - 11-21 degrees C. Spring - September to November - 15-25 degrees C.

Attractions: One of the Gold Coasts greatest attractions is it's natural ones including 40km of golden sandy beaches, Eco tourism throughout the Hinterland and National Parks, onshore and offshore fishing, diving and sailing. There is also two wild life parks located at Currumbin and Burliegh. The Hinterland is also popular for it's growing wine and vineyard industry.

Four theme parks provide hours and hours if not days of entertainment value with something for everyone. The four theme parks are Movie World, Wet 'n' Wild, Sea World and Dreamworld located between Southport and Coomera. Dreamworld is also the home of Big Brother in Australia.

Nightlife: The Gold Coast is popular for it's famous nightclubs located on Cavill Avenue and Orchid Avenue where you can party to the early hours. There are also two world class nightclubs located in Broadbeach as well as a large casino and convention centre.

Dining: Main Beach and Broadbeach are popular for their main streets lined with quality restuarants serving for all tastes in ambient relaxing surroundings.

Accommodation: The Gold Coast there are over 13,000 rooms available from Coolangatta through to Hope Island including Motels, Guest Houses, Executive Holiday Accommodation, Appartments and Hotels. Resorts are first class and the big names include the Palazzo Versace, Marriot, Sheraton Mirage, Holiday Inn, Hyatt, Conrad Jupiters and the Sofitel. Most of these are centrally located in Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Main Beach with most having water and or Hinterland views.

Choosing the right holiday accommodation for you depends on budget, number of people and what you would like to be close to.

Transport: You can fly to either Gold Coast Airport (30mins from Surfers) or Brisbane Airport(50mins from Surfers) and transport from there can either be via taxi, rental, bus or limousine. Buses run on a regular time table throughout the area and a train runs from Robina to Brisbane.

Major Events: The Indy championship is one of the major events on the calender as well as the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show, the Magic Millions Horse Racing Carnival, Schoolies Festival and Surf Carnivals.

The Gold Coast features 40km of sandy immaculate beaches and is located 70kms south of Queenslands capital city, Brisbane, and 947kms North the capital of New south Wales, Sydney. It has an estimated population of 480,000 and is Australia's seventh largest city.

It is also Australia's favourite tourist destination with a favourable climate, diversity of attractions, sophisticated nightlife and dining, safe environment and world class resorts. Inland from the Gold Coast is three magnificent National Parks - Springbrook, Lamington and Tamborine which feature beautiful rainforests, picnic areas, nature walks and spectacular lookouts.

Climate: The Gold Coast has a comfortable sub-tropical climate averaging in the 20's. Summer - December to February - 20-28 degrees C. Autumn - March to May - 15-25 degrees C. Winter - June to August - 11-21 degrees C. Spring - September to November - 15-25 degrees C.

Attractions: One of the Gold Coasts greatest attractions is it's natural ones including 40km of golden sandy beaches, Eco tourism throughout the gold coast Hinterland and National Parks, onshore and offshore fishing, diving and sailing. There is also two wild life parks located at Currumbin and Burliegh. The Hinterland is also popular for it's growing wine and vineyard industry.

Four theme parks provide hours and hours if not days of entertainment value with something for everyone. The four theme parks are Movie World, Wet 'n' Wild, Sea World and Dreamworld located between Southport and Coomera. Dreamworld is also the home of Big Brother in Australia.

Gold Coast Nightlife: The Gold Coast is popular for it's famous nightclubs located on Cavill Avenue and Orchid Avenue where you can party to the early hours. There are also two world class nightclubs located in Broadbeach as well as a large casino and convention centre.

Dining: Main Beach and Broadbeach are popular for their main streets lined with quality restaurants serving for all tastes in ambient relaxing surroundings.

Accommodation: The Gold Coast there are over 13,000 rooms available from Coolangatta through to Hope Island including Motels, Guest Houses, Apartments and Hotels. Resorts are first class and the big names include the Palazzo Versace, Marriot, Sheraton Mirage, Holiday Inn, Hyatt, Conrad Jupiters and the Sofitel. Most of these are centrally located in Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Main Beach with most having water and or Hinterland views.

Choosing the right accommodation for you depends on budget, number of people and what you would like to be close to.

Transport: You can fly to either Gold Coast Airport (30mins from Surfers) or Brisbane Airport(50mins from Surfers) and transport from there can either be via taxi, rental, bus or limousine. Buses run on a regular time table throughout the area and a train runs from Robina to Brisbane.

Major Events: The Indy championship is one of the major events on the calendar as well as the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show, the Magic Millions Horse Racing Carnival, Schoolies Festival and Surf Carnivals.

The Gold Coast has absolutely everything a family could need for the perfect holiday.

Great stretches of golden sands and rolling waves as the Pacific Ocean greets Queenslands playground - the Gold Coast. World famous beaches such as Surfers Paradise, Palm Beach, Burleigh Heads, Broadbeach, Mermaid Waters, Nobby Beach and not to forget the beautiful South Stradbroke Island. How to get to the Gold Coast The Gold coast is easily accessible by air, with major airports at Coolangatta (at the southern end of the Gold Coast strip) and Brisbane. Brisbane is only 1 hours drive north of the Gold Coast. There is plenty of parking and things to do, so hire a car at the Gold Coast and be free to see the sights.

Shopping Shop til you drop! Enjoy the leafy walkways and lakeside restaurants at Pacific Fair - one of Australia's largest shopping centres. At Marina Mirage, overlooking the magnificent Broadwater, you'll find local designer and imported fashions and accessories and enjoy casual dining, cafes and art galleries. If you are in Broadbeach, you can't miss the Oasis Shopping Centre right in the heart of the fabulous dining precinct. Surfers Paradise and its famous Cavill Avenue is just as much Shoppers Paradise with a wide range of shopping centres, boutique lined boulevards and duty free stores. Cavill Mall is a must-see when you're in Surfers. Dozens of cafes, eateries and bars to cater to all tastes and budgets. There are also a wide and varied selection of markets to choose from including the Carrara Markets - the biggest markets in the southern hemisphere, offering great crafts, food, leather goods, novelties, books and rides. There are beachfront markets at Surfers Paradise every Friday night between 5:30 and 10pm. There are also markets at Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads, Coolangatta, Jimboomba and Tambourine Mountain.

Theme Parks The Gold Coast is undoubtedly the theme park capital of Queensland. Dreamworld, the largest theme park in the southern hemisphere boasts 11 themed worlds of fun. Don't miss Warner Brothers Movie World where the magic of screen comes alive. Sea World is a favourite with the delightful friendly marine life. For more hands on, take the plunge on Wet'n'Wild's speed slide. Less famous but just as much fun are the smaller theme parks such as Ripley's Believe it or not Cable Ski World, Frozen World, and numerous family amusement arcades.

Conrad Jupiters Casino For entertainment without the kids, you can't go past Conrad Jupiters Casino. A trip to the Gold Coast would not be complete without the excitement of a visit to this world famous casino. Open 24 hours with two floors of gaming tables, a high rollers room, fabulous live shows and a host of bars and themed restaurants, it is definitely worth a visit.

Nature's Wonderland For peace and nature lovers, don't miss the Gold Coast. Follow the roads inland just a few kilometers from the beaches and a magical world unfolds. Don't miss Lamington National Park, Mount Tamborine or the green mountains of O'Reilly'sEnjoy the tropical rainforests, mountain villages and other hidden treasures of the Gold Coast's hinterland. Experience the natural beauty on one of the national park's many walking tracks. These include Witches Falls, Border Rangers, Lamington, Mt Warning, Nightcap and Springbrook National Parks. All National Parks in the hinterland area offer maps to guide you on their walking tracks, which are designed for all levels of fitness. In addition, many day tour companies have guided walks through the rainforest with visits to natural swimming holes.

Don't miss the largest collection of native animals in the world at Currumbin Sanctuary. Have your photo taken with a koala, feed the colourful lorikeets, walk among the kangaroos, see the fresh water crocodiles or come face to face with the Tasmanian devil - all in their natural environment.